Texas Rangers Blog

Rangers’ Josh Hamilton struggling since return from virus: ‘He’s in a valley now’

ARLINGTON — The day-game misadventures of Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton resumed during an 11-7 loss to Colorado on Saturday at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

Hamilton went 0-for-5 with four strikeouts. Two of the strikeouts came with a runner in scoring position, including Ian Kinsler at third with one out in the sixth inning.

Hamilton, who started in left field, also could not get to a pop-up by Tyler Colvin in the third. The ball fell between Hamilton, who seemed to lay back on the play, and shortstop Elvis Andrus for a two-run single. Hamilton’s throw hit Carlos Gonzalez as he scored for an error that led to an unearned run in the inning.

Hamilton did not appear in the clubhouse during the post-game media period. Hamilton had reversed his career pattern and been playing well in day games this season. His performance included a .362 average in 69 at-bats.

On Colvin’s pop-up, manager Ron Washington said “you want to think that’s a ball that should have been caught.” If the ball were caught, the Rockies would not have scored in the inning. Instead, Colorado scored four two-out runs against starter Colby Lewis.

“There was a little bit of misjudgment right there,” Washington said. “That’s a tough play.”

Hamilton’s strikeout flurry started before this game. He has eight strikeouts in his last nine at-bats and 11 strikeouts in 18 at-bats since returning from a viral infection that caused him to be hospitalized on June 15.

In the last two games, Hamilton’s at-bats have gone quickly, a sign of impatience. Hamilton has seen only 33 pitches in his last eight at-bats.

“Everybody goes [through] peaks and valleys,” hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh said. “I think he’s in a valley now. He’s coming off two MVP months, but right now his timing is off.”